With great sadness Conair Corporation today announced the passing of Leandro P. Rizzuto, its beloved co-founder and Chairman of the Board. After bravely battling a long and difficult fight with pancreatic cancer, Rizzuto passed peacefully on Sunday, December 3rd, surrounded by his family.

Ronald T. Diamond, president of Conair Corporation, said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our leader.  Mr. Rizzuto was a man who loved life and people and deeply loved our company. He was our leader, mentor and teacher, encouraging those around him to always strive to do more than we thought we could do, and be greater than we thought we could be.” The company will grieve the absence of its leader. Diamond says the company will honor him by continuing to develop innovative new products that use emerging technology to improve the everyday lives and businesses of Conair’s consumer and professional customers all over the world. “It is what Lee would want us to do,” says Diamond, “and we’ll do it!” The entire staff of the worldwide Conair Corporation extends its sincerest condolences to Rizzuto’s four children and the entire Rizzuto family.

Rizzuto founded Conair with his parents in 1959. Over the last 58 years, he and his family grew the small hair appliance and haircare company into a multinational corporation. Today Conair is marketed in over 125 countries, together with its BaByliss, Cuisinart, Waring and many other world-renowned brands. Rizzuto was an active leader and innovator in the professional beauty business, with salon brands including BaBylissPro, Aquage, Rusk, Satin Smooth and more. 

The family will announce arrangements as they are made. It is expected that Mr. Rizzuto’s funeral will be private; Memorial Masses will be held for Conair’s thousands of worldwide employees to honor Mr. Rizzuto.

MODERN SALON will be updating and sharing more information and tributes to Rizzuto and his legacy.